In 2004, the city of Heinola approached designer Vesa Honkonen with a request to replicate a lighting solution he had previously created for Raisio. Instead of repeating himself, Honkonen promised Heinola something unique. The project focused on the town’s small library square, where the goal was to inject creativity and identity into the public space.
Design Concept
Honkonen imagined lamps that had “escaped” from the library and invaded the square. They grew larger, more animated, and almost chaotic in their postures – bending, twisting, and looking around in curiosity and confusion. Over time, these movements froze into sculptural forms, resulting in a family of lamps with three distinct postures.
Each lamp shares the same lower structure but features a uniquely bent middle section. Together, fifteen lamps were created, all crowned with the same luminaire. The artistic variations make the installation dynamic and expressive, while still coherent as a unified design.
Light and Atmosphere
The lamps were deliberately equipped with multimetal light sources to cast sharp, uneven beams. Instead of uniform, functional lighting, the design creates contrast and drama – highlighting forms, throwing shadows, and allowing light to “erupt” into the square. The effect transforms the area into a theatrical stage, challenging conventional street lighting design.
Impact
The Reading Lamps installation turns Heinola’s library square into a landmark – a place where everyday infrastructure merges with art and storytelling. The lamps are not just sources of light, but characters with movement, presence, and attitude.
Key Facts
- Location: Heinola, Finland
- Construction Year: 2004
- Application: Area lighting / Public art installation
- Designer: Vesa Honkonen
- Photographer: Ilpo Aalto
- Special Feature: 15 uniquely bent “dancing” poles, with dramatic point lighting and sculptural movement frozen in place
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